Calculating Work and Power in a Given Time Period

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done and power output while pushing a block of steel across a table at a steady speed. The context includes concepts from mechanics, specifically work, force, and power in relation to friction and motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's Second Law and the calculation of frictional force. There is a question regarding the acceleration of the block, with some participants pointing out that it should be zero due to constant speed. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to calculate work from the given information.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering corrections and clarifications regarding the calculations. There is a suggestion to focus on the correct force values and how to derive distance for the work calculation. The conversation reflects a mix of interpretations and attempts to clarify the steps needed to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct understanding of forces involved, particularly the relationship between applied force and friction when moving at constant velocity. The original poster is working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can provide.

tangibleLime
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Homework Statement



a) How much work must you do to push a 13.0 kg block of steel across a steel table (\mu_{k}=0.6) at a steady speed of 1.30 m/s for 8.30 s?

b) What is your power output while doing so?

Homework Equations


W=\vec{F}*\Delta S
F_{f}=u_{k}*n
F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


First I applied Newton's Second and performed the following:

F=ma
F-F_{f} = ma

To find F_{f}, I used F_{f}=u_{k}*n using mg for n and 0.6 for u_{k}.

F_{f}=u_{k}*mg
F_{f}=(0.6)*(13)(9.8)
F_{f}=76.44 N

Throwing that back into the NII equation along with substituting the other variables, I got:

F-76.44=(13)(9.8)
F=93.94 N

I think I may have done something wrong in that step.

Anyways, if that is correct then this is where I am stuck. I do not know how to apply this information to conclude the work done over the time period supplied.

To solve B, I assume I will simply use the equation P=\frac{\Delta E}{\Delta t}, where I would use the time supplied for the t value and the answer from part A to the E value.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
 
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tangibleLime said:
Throwing that back into the NII equation along with substituting the other variables, I got:

F-76.44=(13)(9.8)
F=93.94 N

How did you get a=9.8? a is 0 because the block is moving at constant speed.

Anyways, if that is correct then this is where I am stuck. I do not know how to apply this information to conclude the work done over the time period supplied.

W=Fd. You can calculate F by fixing the mistake I pointed out above, and d is even easier to get.
 
With your second step, you're overthinking it and making an error by subtracting it from normal force. Force applied is the same as force of friction since it is moving at a constant velocity. This number is correct at 76.44N. 93.94N shouldn't be used.

Now, as for finding work done, as you have listed, W=Fd. You now have force, now you just have to find distance.

For part B your assumption is correct.
 
Ah, thank you!

x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2

x = 0 + 1.3(8.3) + (1/3)(0)(8.3)^2

x \approx 825

Thanks again!
 

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